Latest news with #DiSarno
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I ended up in intensive care after adding one odd ingredient to my sandwich'
Gaia Vitiello, a 24-year-old student, has told how she was put in intensive care after eating a broccoli sandwich after a botulism outbreak that killed two and left many more ill in Italy A student has told how she 'couldn't swallow and her legs were shaking' after eating a broccoli sandwich which nearly killed her. A second person was confirmed to have died yesterday after eating 'toxic broccoli' in a poisoning that has rocked Italy. There are also more than a dozen people who have been hospitalized after eating products from a food truck in the town of Diamante in Calabria. And now Gaia Vitiello, a 24-year-old student at the Federico II University of Naples, has told how she became seriously ill after eating from the same vendor which has caused the cases of botulism. She said that she wouldn't normally have had broccoli on her sandwich but for some reason decided to during a night out. She and several friends all had the same type of sandwich at around 4.30am on August 5 but only she had broccoli. Tricky A-level maths question stumps grown adults – so see if you can solve it 'My friends only had mayonnaise, sausage, and chips. I added broccoli. It was the first time I'd ever done that,' she told local media. And it was only an hour later that she began feeling unwell. 'I had diarrhea. I thought it was indigestion. The next day, the symptoms worsened. I couldn't swallow and my legs were shaking,' she said. 'If my sister Alessia hadn't taken me to the hospital by force, I wouldn't be here today.' She first went to a nearby clinic and then was immediately sent to Annunziata Hospital in Cosenza where she was kept in intensive care due to the effects of botulism. She admits now she was 'lucky' as after being given the right medicine quickly she has been able to recover and was discharged from hospital. But sadly Tamara D'Acunto, 45, and Luigi Di Sarno, 52, have both died as a result of eating the broccoli sandwiches. Ms D'Acunto was rushed to hospital after eating one for lunch but did not recover and last week, Artist and musician Mr Di Sarno collapsed and died after buying a broccoli and sausage sandwich on the Diamante seafront. Eight others were rushed to hospital, including members of Mr Di Sarno's family. Broccoli has been recalled across Italy following the outbreak and the food truck where the sandwiches were made has also been seized. It comes amid a growing botulism outbreak caused by the toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The country is on high alert after the Paola Public Prosecutor's Office demanding an 'immediate seizure of a commercial product'. Calabria Region's Department of Health and Welfare issued a statement following the death of Mr Di Sarno last Thursday. It read: "The emergency procedure established in these cases has been activated, which requires immediate notification to the Poison Control Center in Pavia, the only national centre designated for the management of botulism. "No region or hospital in the country is authorised to store the antivenom in their own facilities. This serum, however, is exclusively available to the Ministry of Health, which holds it in designated secure locations and distributes it only through the Lombardy Poison Control Centre. "The first two vials, used for the first patients, were sent directly from the Military Pharmacy in Taranto. However, as the number of cases increased, additional supplies became necessary. "Yesterday, the Calabria Region, through Azienda Zero, provided a 118 aircraft that flew to the San Camillo Hospital in Rome, where the ministry had centralised additional vials of the antivenom to facilitate distribution."
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Second person dies after 'toxic broccoli' in sandwich as vegetable recalled
Tamara D'Acunto passed away after eating a panini she'd bought at a food truck. A woman has become the second death victim of a poisoning outbreak - after eating a sandwich that she bought from a food truck for her lunch. Tamara D'Acunto was rushed to hospital after eating the snack but was unable to recover from the poisoned panini, which contained the 'contaminated' vegetable. It comes after musician and artist Luigi Di Sarno suffered the same tragic fate. The 52-year-old bought a broccoli and sausage sandwich on the Diamante seafront in the province of Cosenza and later passed away. The Mirror reports Tara had also bought her lunch from a food truck in southwest Italy. Eight others were rushed to hospital, including members of Mr Di Sarno's family. Broccoli has been recalled across Italy following the outbreak and the food truck where the sandwiches were made has also been seized. It comes amid a growing botulism outbreak caused by the toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The country is on high alert after the Paola Public Prosecutor's Office demanding an 'immediate seizure of a commercial product'. A statement following the death of Mr Di Sarno was issued by the authorities last Thursday. The release, from Calabria Region's Department of Health and Welfare, read: "The emergency procedure established in these cases has been activated, which requires immediate notification to the Poison Control Center in Pavia." It stated is "the only national centre designated for the management of botulism" and added: "No region or hospital in the country is authorised to store the antivenom in their own facilities. "This serum, however, is exclusively available to the Ministry of Health, which holds it in designated secure locations and distributes it only through the Lombardy Poison Control Centre. "The first two vials, used for the first patients, were sent directly from the Military Pharmacy in Taranto. However, as the number of cases increased, additional supplies became necessary. "Yesterday, the Calabria Region, through Azienda Zero, provided a 118 aircraft that flew to the San Camillo Hospital in Rome, where the ministry had centralised additional vials of the antivenom to facilitate distribution." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. What is botulism? Botulism is a serious, potentially fatal illness triggered by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. Although rare, only around 1,000 cases reported globally each year, it can lead to muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death if untreated. Symptoms typically begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure and may include blurred vision, slurred speech, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Early intervention with antitoxin and supportive care like mechanical ventilation is critical. How to avoid botulism? 1. Be cautious with oils, herbs and low-acid food Botulism can thrive in low-acid environments like homemade oils infused with herbs or vegetables - especially when stored at room temperature. Always refrigerate such products and use them within four days. 2. Reject suspicious canned goods Never consume food from bulging, dented, or leaking cans and jars. Even items without obvious spoilage can hide invisible, deadly toxins. 3. Use proper pressure canning techniques If you make your own preserves, especially with low-acid foods like vegetables and meats, always use a pressure canner, not a boiling-water bath. Pressure canning reaches temperatures high enough to destroy botulinum spores. 4. Acidify when can canning tomatoes Tomatoes vary in acidity and may not always be safe. To ensure they're preserved safely, add bottled lemon juice or citric acid so the pH stays at or below 4.6. Serious Eats 5. Heat everything thoroughly Botulinum toxin can be destroyed by heating food to above 85C for at least five minutes. This is especially important for home-canned low-acid foods. 6. Refrigerate promptly and store safely Article continues below Never leave perishable food at room temperature for longer than two hours, or one hour in hot conditions (above 32C). Maintain refrigeration at 4C or below. Botulinum toxin cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, and even the smallest amount can be deadly. If you have any doubt about the safety of a food item, don't sample it - discard it immediately.
Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Woman dies after eating 'toxic broccoli' in poisoning that has rocked Italy
A woman has died after becoming the latest victim after eating 'toxic broccoli' in a poisoning that has rocked Italy. A terrifying botulism outbreak claimed the life of Tamara D'Acunto, 45, who died shortly after eating a panini. She purchased her lunch from a food truck in southwest Italy, and was rushed to hospital but she couldn't recover. It is the second death following the consumption of the 'contaminated' vegetable. Last week, Artist and musician Luigi Di Sarno, 52, collapsed and died after buying a broccoli and sausage sandwich on the Diamante seafront in the province of Cosenza. It comes after a waiter sat down to eat cheese during his break, and moments later he was dying. Eight others were rushed to hospital, including members of Mr Di Sarno's family. Broccoli has been recalled across Italy following the outbreak and the food truck where the sandwiches were made has also been seized. It comes amid a growing botulism outbreak caused by the toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The country is on high alert after the Paola Public Prosecutor's Office demanding an 'immediate seizure of a commercial product'. Calabria Region's Department of Health and Welfare issued a statement following the death of Mr Di Sarno last Thursday. It read: "The emergency procedure established in these cases has been activated, which requires immediate notification to the Poison Control Center in Pavia, the only national centre designated for the management of botulism. "No region or hospital in the country is authorised to store the antivenom in their own facilities. This serum, however, is exclusively available to the Ministry of Health, which holds it in designated secure locations and distributes it only through the Lombardy Poison Control Centre. "The first two vials, used for the first patients, were sent directly from the Military Pharmacy in Taranto. However, as the number of cases increased, additional supplies became necessary. "Yesterday, the Calabria Region, through Azienda Zero, provided a 118 aircraft that flew to the San Camillo Hospital in Rome, where the ministry had centralised additional vials of the antivenom to facilitate distribution." What is botulism? Botulism is a serious, potentially fatal illness triggered by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. Although rare, only around 1,000 cases reported globally each year, it can lead to muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death if untreated. Symptoms typically begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure and may include blurred vision, slurred speech, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Early intervention with antitoxin and supportive care like mechanical ventilation is critical. How to avoid botulism? 1. Be cautious with oils, herbs and low-acid food Botulism can thrive in low-acid environments like homemade oils infused with herbs or vegetables - especially when stored at room temperature. Always refrigerate such products and use them within four days. 2. Reject suspicious canned goods Never consume food from bulging, dented, or leaking cans and jars. Even items without obvious spoilage can hide invisible, deadly toxins. 3. Use proper pressure canning techniques If you make your own preserves, especially with low-acid foods like vegetables and meats, always use a pressure canner, not a boiling-water bath. Pressure canning reaches temperatures high enough to destroy botulinum spores. 4. Acidify when can canning tomatoes Tomatoes vary in acidity and may not always be safe. To ensure they're preserved safely, add bottled lemon juice or citric acid so the pH stays at or below 4.6. Serious Eats 5. Heat everything thoroughly Botulinum toxin can be destroyed by heating food to above 85C for at least five minutes. This is especially important for home-canned low-acid foods. 6. Refrigerate promptly and store safely Never leave perishable food at room temperature for longer than two hours, or one hour in hot conditions (above 32C). Maintain refrigeration at 4C or below. Botulinum toxin cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, and even the smallest amount can be deadly. If you have any doubt about the safety of a food item, don't sample it - discard it immediately.
Irish Daily Mirror
11-08-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Man dies after eating broccoli sandwich as health officials launch major recall
A man has died and nine other people have been hospitalised in Italy after they ate a sandwich which contained 'contaminated' broccoli, with a mass recall now underway. Artist and musician Luigi Di Sarno, 52, collapsed and couldn't be saved after buying a broccoli and sausage sandwich from food truck on the Diamante seafront in the province of Cosenza. The other victims, said to include two teenagers, were all taken to the intensive care unit of Annunziata Hospital in the town. Those needing treatment are understood to include members of tragic Mr Di Sarno's family, with two of the patients reportedly still in a very serious condition. It comes amid a growing botulism outbreak caused by the toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, Mirror UK reports. There are as-yet unconfirmed reports that a 38-year-old woman has died after she ate a taco with guacamole at a kiosk at the festival in the Cagliari. The country is on high alert after the Paola Public Prosecutor's Office demanding an 'immediate seizure of a commercial product'. Calabria Region's Department of Health and Welfare said: "The emergency procedure established in these cases has been activated, which requires immediate notification to the Poison Control Center in Pavia, the only national centre designated for the management of botulism. "No region or hospital in the country is authorised to store the antivenom in their own facilities. This serum, however, is exclusively available to the Ministry of Health, which holds it in designated secure locations and distributes it only through the Lombardy Poison Control Centre. "The first two vials, used for the first patients, were sent directly from the Military Pharmacy in Taranto. However, as the number of cases increased, additional supplies became necessary. "Yesterday, the Calabria Region, through Azienda Zero, provided a 118 aircraft that flew to the San Camillo Hospital in Rome, where the ministry had centralised additional vials of the antivenom to facilitate distribution." A friend of Mr Di Sarno paid tribute to him on social media. They wrote: "The world loses once again a beautiful person, leaving a void in all those who truly cared for him. We had rare encounters in recent times but mutual respect never waned, we had a beer pending and many stories to share. It will be for another world, rest in peace!" The infected broccoli comes days after eight people are said to have fell ill with botulism after eating infected guacamole at a festival in Sardinia late last month. A boy, 11, remains in intensive care at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome after being rushed by helicopter from Cagliari. The mayor of Diamante, Achille Ordine, asks not to 'create panic' following the outbreak as the Public Prosecutor's Office of Paola investigating. The ASP of Cosenza has placed a health block on the activity 'as a precautionary measure'. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
News18
11-08-2025
- Health
- News18
In Italy, Musician Dies After Eating Broccoli Sandwich; Botulism Outbreak Suspected
Last Updated: A rare outbreak could emerge from Italy's street food scene after a musician died and nine were hospitalised for eating broccoli and sausage sandwiches from a vendor. Italy stands on high alert over a suspected botulism outbreak following the death of a musician after he had a broccoli sandwich. Local authorities have issued a nationwide recall of broccoli over the passing of Luigi Di Sarno, a 52-year-old artist and musician, who became the victim of the rare outbreak linked to a street food vendor, for which nine others were hospitalised. Did The Musician Really Die Of Eating Broccoli? Yes. According to a report in the London Evening Standard, Di Sarno, a 52-year-old musician from Cercola in the province of Naples, died of the outbreak associated with eating a contaminated broccoli and sausage sandwich while he was travelling back home from a holiday with his family. The tragedy occurred on Thursday, August 7, when Di Sarno stopped by at a food truck on the seafront in Diamante, Cosenza province, with his family. They ordered broccoli and sausage sandwiches. Soon after resuming their journey, Di Sarno fell sick while driving on the highway near Lagonegro in Potenza. The musician had to pull over in the town of Basilicata and emergency medical services were called. However, Di Sarno died even before he could be taken to the hospital. Nine other people were hospitalised after eating from the same vendor, whose cart could be the centre of a major outbreak. The list included Di Sarno's family members, among whom were two teenagers and two women in their 40s. All had to be put in the ICU at Annunziata Hospital in Cosenza. The musician's death occurred not long after eight people were hospitalised in Sardinia following botulism cases associated with guacamole served at a Mexican food stand. That incident took place during the Fiesta Latin festival between 22 and 25 July in Monserrato. According to medical experts, Botulism is a condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that can develop in improperly processed foods. The disease directly attacks the nervous system, leading to breathing challenges and muscle paralysis. 'Foodborne botulism can happen by eating foods that have been contaminated with botulinum toxin. Common sources… are homemade foods that have been improperly canned, preserved or fermented," said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 'Though uncommon, store-bought foods also can be contaminated with botulinum toxin." view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
